Support Services | Workforce Development | Specialized Training and Evaluation Program

S.T.E.P.

The Specialized Training and Evaluation Program (S.T.E.P.) provides work adjustment training and ongoing work evaluation to assist people in returning to competitive employment. There is a brief initial assessment when each participant enters the program to identify functional abilities.  This "situational assessment" involves observing the individual's performance using real work. The goal of this assessment is to identify vocational strengths and potential barriers to employment.  The program also serves to strengthen self-esteem and self-confidence levels by building on strengths and providing a success-oriented atmosphere.

Our staff assists each S.T.E.P. participant in developing individualized goals based on his or her specific needs and interests. Typical goals for the program will address:
  • Attendance
  • Punctuality
  • Developing improved endurance and stamina
  • Working as part of a team
  • Interactions and social communication skills with co-workers
  • Ability to accept supervision
  • Following and recalling directions
  • Improving fine motor skills
  • Improving concentration
S.T.E.P. offers the following vocational rehabilitation services:
  • Vocational Evaluation/Situational Assessment
  • Interest Testing
  • Work Adjustment Training
  • Access to Job Placement Services
  • Skill Development
S.T.E.P. services are offered on a fee-for-service, referral basis.


Please feel free to Ask Jenny any questions you may have about our program or services.
 

1/26/2012
Hope Network Workforce Development has partnered with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) through Davenport University, to be a host site for free tax preparation services. This service is available to all Hope Network staff, consumers and the public.

Income tax assistance is available on Fridays, beginning February 3rd, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Education Center in Grand Rapids.
 
---
12/22/2011

Hope Network hosted a special book signing of the new book, 'The Book of Cake' a collection of Cake stories from the past year which feature Hope Network consumers, employees and volunteers. 

Award winning writer Tom Rademacher, who writes the stories for Hope Network,  addressed the crowd of employees, Board Members and many of the people featured in the stories. 

---
12/20/2011
Heart of West Michigan United Way invites you to take on the Small Business Challenge, created through a generous matching grant of $100,000 from the Steelcase Foundation. Any new United Way gift of $1,000 or more from a workplace of 100 or less employees will be matched up to a total of $100,000 by the end of March 2012.
 
Small businesses are the heart of most communities, yet during the 2010 United Way Campaign small businesses of 100 employees or less made up only 11.5% of total campaign dollars. This campaign year, United Way is hoping to change that with the Small Business Challenge.